Most Common Spring HVAC Problems
Once the weather starts to warm up and you turn on your home’s air conditioner for the first time of the year, you might begin to notice a wide variety of issues. While many of those problems can be avoided with regular service calls and tune-ups, you should still keep an eye out for any signs that your HVAC system might be struggling or nearing the end of its lifespan. In many cases, our team can quickly and affordably fix minor maintenance issues as long as they are caught early on.
1. Clogged Filters
One of the most common mistakes that homeowners make is completely ignoring their air filters for years at a time. It is very easy to forget about your air filters, and you might not even think about them if your HVAC system seems to be running well. Unfortunately, your air filters are going to eventually become clogged, and that could result in major damage to the rest of the system. In addition to overworking the outdoor condenser, clogged filters are also going to increase the pressure inside the ducts, and that could result in leaks.
While every home is slightly different, the average residential air filter needs to be replaced at least once every two or three months when the HVAC system is regularly being used. If you are carrying out home renovations or your allergies seem to be acting up, then you might need to replace the filters as often as once a month.
2. Dirty Coils
Most HVAC systems have two different sets of coils, and those components carry out very important tasks. Inside your home, you most likely have evaporator coils that could collect dust and dander. When they become extremely dirty, it will be nearly impossible for the system to keep your home at a cool and comfortable temperature. We usually suggest that you have your evaporator coils cleaned at least twice a year during your biannual service calls.
Just outside your home, your outdoor condenser/compressor is going to have coils as well. After heavy winter storms, those coils often become caked with mud and other types of grime that could overwork the outdoor unit. Luckily, cleaning the outdoor coils can usually be done with nothing more than a garden hose.
3. Debris Around the Condenser
Depending on where your outdoor condenser is placed, you might need to clear the area around it as often as once every few weeks. The outdoor condenser is one of the most important components of your entire HVAC system, and serious damage could occur if anything gets into the unit. That is why most experts agree that there should be no debris within a few feet of outdoor condensers.
In addition to cleaning around the sides of the unit, you must also make sure that there isn’t any debris hanging over the condenser. Branches that droop too close to your condenser could get caught in the fan and cause a tremendous amount of damage. Limbs can also get knocked loose during heavy spring storms and fall directly into the unit.
4. Tripped Breaker
As a homeowner, you should spend a little bit of time familiarizing yourself with your electrical system. All of the electricity that is being used on your property is most likely coming through a single breaker box, and that box is usually located along an exterior wall. Inside the box, you are going to see a variety of switches that control various devices and rooms in your home. One of the switches should control the HVAC system, and it might have been tripped at some point over the cold winter months.
If the breaker has been flipped, then you need to push it all the way to the other side until you hear a click. A tripped breaker is one of the most common springtime HVAC problems, and it can easily be taken care of without any type of specialist.
5. Refrigerant Leaks
Modern HVAC units are sealed systems, and you should never see any refrigerant leaking out of the gaskets or rubber lines. When an HVAC system is leaking refrigerant, you are probably going to notice some major problems, including warm air coming out of the vents, loud noises, and unusual smells. Leaking refrigerant is a serious issue that must be taken care of by a technician right away.
Before you contact our team, you might want to make sure that the unit isn’t dripping water from the coils. The sudden change in temperatures can cause condensation, and you might notice a little bit of water or moisture on the concrete pad that is below the condenser. As long as there are only a few drops of water, then your outdoor unit is most likely fine.
6. Duct Problems
Dealing with duct problems can be extremely frustrating if you don’t have the proper tools and training. Ducts are usually hidden away inside an attic or in very small crawlspaces, and they can become damaged or clogged over time. If the ducts have been penetrated or a seal has broken, then there might be a sudden leap in your energy bills. You could also notice that your HVAC system must stay on at all times in order to keep your home at a comfortable temperature.
Another common duct problem that many homeowners struggle with is dirty ducts. Dust and dander can become trapped in the ducts over time, and that will have a huge impact on the air quality inside your home. The most effective way to take care of that issue is to contact us for professional duct cleaning.
7. Damaged or Inaccurate Thermostat
Even though most modern thermostats are designed to last for quite a few years, older units will eventually go bad. Mechanical thermostats are particularly problematic because they can easily become inaccurate. If your current thermostat is more than a decade old, then you should consider replacing it with a modern programmable thermostat.
You might also want to have your thermostat inspected by one of our technicians at the start of each year. When a thermostat is inaccurate, your energy bills are going to increase and it will become very difficult to keep your home at a cool and consistent temperature. Checking the accuracy of the thermostat is one of the most important tasks that we carry out during our service calls.
Call Today for Springtime HVAC Maintenance
Many of these issues can be very difficult to deal with, and that is why you should have your entire HVAC system serviced at least twice a year by an experienced technician. At Mario's AC, we have 80 years of combined experience and are a Lennox Factory-Authorized Dealer.
Our team is ready to help all residents of Hudson and the surrounding communities with all of their HVAC needs, and that includes biannual service calls, emergency repairs, duct cleaning, and even new construction projects. Please call Mario's AC today to schedule an appointment with one of our friendly and experienced HVAC technicians.
